Renault Spa test notes 2007-07-12

Today, the ING Renault F1 Team wound up its 3-day test session on the new Spa-Francorchamps circuit on which the French team got down to preparing for the Belgian event in mid-September, as well as the up-coming European and Hungarian Grand Prix.

Giancarlo Fisichella was in the driving seat for the third and final day's testing. On the basis of the work done by Nelson Piquet Jr. and Heikki Kovalainen earlier on in the week the Italian progressed further in the team's development programme. Above all, he was out to find his marks on the new Spa-Francorchamps layout and to refine the car's set-up.

While the track was wet to begin with the conditions improved in the late morning and Fisichella was able to test aerodynamic solutions. Despite variable track conditions his test session went off without a hitch. By the session's end he had recorded a lot of useful data that will provide a good baseline for the Belgian Grand Prix in September.

He covered 76 laps and at the end of the day set the fifth-quickest time in 1:47.724.

Giancarlo Fisichella:

"This was an interesting practice session. It was important to come here and discover the new layout and pursue the team's development programme. I think we've progressed today and the data recorded are encouraging. Personally, I love Spa and driving here is always a great pleasure. The car handled really well and I was able to get the best out of it in the variable conditions."

Christian Silk, chief test engineer:

"We finished the Spa test with a good day's work; The track was wet this morning and we waited a little before beginning our programme; after that we had a dry circuit which was a great help. Our three drivers have tested the car over the three days and they all say they're happy with its handling. They found it well balanced, predictable and I think that's very positive. This test's been pretty encouraging. We were not able to complete our programme because of the weather but we were prepared for this and we got through the main items. We now have a lot of date to analyse to be ready for the German Grand Prix."

-credit: renault